Understanding Respect
What is Sexual Respect
Northland College is committed to fostering a safe campus environment where sexual misconduct and violence are unacceptable, and where survivors who believe they were harmed by another person are provided support and avenues of redress as appropriate.
To achieve this we believe:
- Learning how to build healthy relationship skills is critical.
- It’s important to have organizational policies and practices that improve safety and the overall campus climate.
- Training student bystanders to intervene or speak up against violence is part of the solution.
- It’s healthy to address social norms and behavior with messages from community experts
Know the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy and the Northland College Sexual & Gender-Based Misconduct Grievance Process
What is Consent
- Consent is a voluntary mutual agreement. It’s informed, sober, honest, clear, and involves the word “yes” from each person involved. That means there’s discussion and clear communication.
- Consent should be freely given: it should never be coerced, be forced, involve pressure, intimidation or threats.
- Consent should be mutually agreed upon: with a clear understanding of what is being asked for and consented to.
- Consent must never be assumed or implied, even if you’re in a relationship. Just because you are in a relationship doesn’t mean that you always have consent to have sex with your partner.
- Consent may be withdrawn at any time, and when it is withdrawn all sexual activity must stop immediately.
- Consent can’t legally be given by a person who is intoxicated or high. If you or your partner are too drunk or high to make decisions and communicate, then there can’t be consent.
Consent has been given
The only way to know for sure if someone has given consent is if they tell you. One of the best ways to determine if someone is comfortable with any situation, especially with a sexual one, is to simply ask. Here are some examples of the questions you might ask:
- I really want to hug/kiss…you. Can I?
- What do you want to do with me?
- Have you ever…? Would you like to try it with me?
- Are you comfortable?
- Do you want to go further?
- How do you like to…?
- What are you into?
- What would you like?
- Do you want to stop?
- What’s turning you on right now?
- What about X turns you on?
- Where do you want my hands?
The language we use during intimacy can greatly influence behavior. Tailoring our language to open up space is key to discovering the desires of who we’re with. Try using open-ended phrases. Be prepared to enjoy unexpected answers!
Contacts
Sue Niemi
Title IX Coordinator
715-682-1849
titleIX@northland.edu
Remote
Anissa Cram
Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Title IX Deputy Coordinator
715-682-1254
113 Brownell Hall
Dawn Rivard
Title IX Official with Authority
715-682-1812
201 Brownell Hall
Confidential Contacts
Jennifer Newago
Health Services Manager
715-682-1340
jnewago@northland.edu
206 Ponzio Center
Adri Digirolamo
Counseling Services Coordinator
715-682-1369
adigirolamo@northland.edu
211 Ponzio Center